Chancel Mbemba impressed for Newcastle United on Tuesday.
Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez recalled Chancel Mbemba to his first XI for Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at West Bromwich Albion.
Playing at left-back, the 23-year-old defender was favoured ahead of Javier Manquillo and justified Benitez’s decision to select him after a long absence.
The former Anderlecht man hadn’t played for Newcastle since September prior to last night despite being fit, and his performance was a big reminder to the Spanish manager that he needs him – especially this weekend.
The Magpies visit Chelsea on Saturday afternoon and Mbemba is surely a better option than Manquillo when it comes to combating – or at least trying to combat – the brilliance of Willian on the right.
Manquillo is probably better in an attacking sense, but defence will be more important than offence at Stamford Bridge and the truth is that Mbemba is simply a better, stronger defender.
The Congolese wasn’t perfect at The Hawthorns, but he was, on the whole, a lot better than the Spaniard has been in recent weeks and he is the obvious choice to cover at left-back until Paul Dummett returns.
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